GMMH Expands Substance Misuse Services in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) has won the first block-commissioned tender in the North West to provide alcohol and drug community recovery services across Bolton, Salford and Trafford. The contract, worth over £40million for the next five years, is the first cluster commission of its kind where commissioners from different local authorities have come together to find one provider for all three districts.

To deliver this contract which covers a population of 760,000, GMMH will be working with a range of subcontractors including The Big Life Group, Great Places, THOMAS (Those on the margins of society), Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and Early Break. These organisations are experts in their field and together, this partnership will ensure people are actively supported throughout their recovery journey. This lead provider model was chosen because it allows for diversity of provision whilst avoiding duplication between competing providers.

GMMH already runs successful services in Salford and provides some services in Trafford. The new contract will retain Salford services as extending services in Trafford and across Bolton.

Kate Hall, Service Manager for Substance Misuse Services said, “We have a proven track record of running successful recovery services throughout the North West and for building strong links within local businesses and voluntary organisations in the areas we provide services.

“We are looking forward to working closely with service users, staff and volunteers from many agencies in delivering and developing the best possible services for the communities of Bolton, Salford and Trafford. We are keen to ensure that this transition will not result in any disruption to services.

“Our focus at GMMH remains on providing a range of services that have the recovery of the individual, their family and community at the centre of what we do. We believe firmly that our involvement in a person’s recovery starts with their first contact with our services, whether that be a self-referral, a referral from a health worker or out on the streets.

“We are excited at the prospect of being able to build on the positive work that is currently provided by all providers in the area and to deliver recovery-focused treatment options under a single model of care.”

Bev Humphrey, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said, “We are delighted to win this contract and be in the position to offer a full package of care to those who need help. By working with so many partners and being able to involve mental health care so readily, means that we can treat all the underlying causes of substance misuse and help service users move past their addiction and towards an improved future.”